Proposal for a UN Board of Peace and Sustainable Security to Enhance Conflict Resolution
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao argues for the creation of a 'Board of Peace and Sustainable Security' within the United Nations. The proposal addresses the UN Security Council's (UNSC) failure to sustain peace after initial interventions. While the UNSC focuses on crisis management, this new body would provide continuous political accompaniment to peace processes. Established as a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly under Article 22, the board would consist of about two dozen rotating members. It aims to bridge the gap between the end of active conflict and long-term stability, ensuring that the international community does not abandon peace efforts prematurely.
Key Points
- The proposed board would be a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly created under the authority of Article 22.
- It aims to provide 'political continuity' in the transition from war to peace, a current weakness in the UN architecture.
- The board would track commitments long after the initial crisis, preventing institutional memory loss during mandate renewals.
- Membership would be representative but not unwieldy, with guaranteed regional distribution from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Exam Facts
- Article 22 of the UN Charter allows the General Assembly to establish subsidiary bodies.
- The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an existing but limited initiative mentioned as a precursor.
- The proposal suggests a membership of approximately two dozen states elected for fixed terms.
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